Vapor Barriers

[Bonita Carr]

My husband and I purchased a manufactured home from LUV's Manufactured Homes (Clayton Homes) January 2002 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.(Forsyth County). The house was installed on our property (private land in the county) in March, we were told the house past all inspections, though we never saw any papers stating such. The seller told us it was ready for us to move into, all was left was to install the brick foundation, which they completed in April. Though, we were disappointed with how they graded our once level lot, to a stair stepping slope stating they had to grade it that way for the water to run off. After months of the water running directly to our front porch walkway, with at times 2" of water standing for days, and no response from seller we paid out of our pocket ($500) to correct the water run off problem at the front of our house.
New to the area we are unaware of all the manufactured home building requirements and standards for North Carolina. This year we had cable installed in home and the gentleman that installed the cable, told us that there was no plastic film (vapor barrier) on the ground under our house. He told us he owned a home almost like ours, about five miles from us. That we should contact LUV's concerning no vapor barrier covering, that it was a requirement in this area of North Carolina. We told the manager about the non existing vapor barrier, he said that he would have someone come out and install it ASAP. Well, it has been almost 6 months, and several calls, but not reponse from the seller. We have come to the conclusion the seller has no intentions of doing anything. He got his money a year ago why should he bother with us?
We need advise and answers to the following questions. What are the Manufacture Housing regulations for my area, as to vapor barriers? Who do I contact concerning the seller not correcting the situation? Could there already be damage to my home, because theres no vapor barrier film on the ground, under my home (we have had a lot of heavy rain this year)? We have noticed that the ground around the back of the house has receded several inches under the concrete slabs exposed outside of the brick foundation.

[rmurray]

"What are the Manufacture Housing regulations for my area, as to vapor barriers?"
Read your set up manual...it the manufacturer requires a vapor barrier..then it should be there and is required by code..if the manufacturer recommends a vapor barrier..it is a negotiable items and is not required by the code...local government can only require items required in the set up manual..

"Who do I contact concerning the seller not correcting the situation?"

First the store where you bought the home...which you have done...Second the regional manager of the area you live in..Third..Clayton corporate office......

If the vapor barrier is REQUIRED in the set up manual..you can contact the state agency that regulated manufactured homes..

"Could there already be damage to my home, because theres no vapor barrier film on the ground"

Probably not...this kind of damage take a long time...if there is enough ventilation in the underpinning....by the way the ventilation requirements will also be in the set up manual...

If it is not required in the set up manual...only recommended..you might consider putting in one..they do not cost much and can add years to the enjoyment of your home...

By the way...your dealer did right with the land escavation..would have been nice to have the water away from the steps....but..sure better there than under the home...

You should file in the areas where the soil has eroded around your foundation..